If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Sifan Hassan, it’s that no matter the distance or surface she’s going to make a statement. Whether it’s a nail-biting, elbows out Olympic marathon, or a debut filled with mid-race stretches (yes, stretches), she always finds a way to shock and awe. And now, the queen of unpredictability is returning to the 2025 London Marathon, ready to prove that 2023’s dramatic win was just the beginning.
Let’s rewind for a second: in her marathon debut, Hassan stopped twice to stretch a cranky hip, leaving everyone—fans, commentators, probably her competitors—scratching their heads. But then, in classic Sifan style, she powered back into the lead and stole the show with a jaw-dropping victory. Now, she’s coming back to London with bigger goals, bigger dreams, and (hopefully) fewer pit stops.
“I’m Ready for More”
Sifan’s not just here to enjoy the win—although, of course, that’s part of it. She’s got her sights set on rewriting the record books. Her ultimate goal? The women’s world marathon record. For context, Ruth Chepngetich ran an insane (and still controversial) 2:09:56 at the Chicago Marathon last year, a time so fast it seems untouchable. The women’s-only world record was also broken at the 2024 London Marathon when Peres Jepchirchir ran 2:16:16, which will undoubtedly be under threat once again.
“I have so much curiosity, I have so many goals in my head, I want to see what can I do,” Hassan said to Reuters, “It might be a matter of time. So if I train correctly, maybe take me two years to get there, first be in 2:11 shape, and then 2:10, and then run that time. It is possible.”
A Second Shot at London
Despite her unforgettable 2023 win, Hassan didn’t exactly love the experience. “I was so scared of the marathon,” she admitted. But now she’s flipping the script. “I want to enjoy it this time,” she said because apparently, even world-class athletes need to remind themselves to have fun.
And let’s be real—if her first marathon taught us anything, it’s that Hassan thrives under chaos. Whether it’s overcoming a niggle mid-race or chasing down the competition in the final stretch, she knows how to deliver when it matters most.
Hassan’s already dominated the track, with Olympic and World Championship medals in events ranging from the 1,500m to the 10,000m, and even the marathon (because who can forget that Olympic triumph).
But Hassan isn’t just about breaking records; she’s about breaking barriers. She’s redefining what it means to be a marathoner, proving that you don’t have to stick to one discipline to be great. She’s rewriting the rules, and honestly, we’re here for it.
When Hassan lines up in London this April, the stakes will be high. Will she flirt with the world record? Will she run the race of her life? Will she throw in some drama just to keep things interesting? Knowing her, probably all of the above.
What’s certain is that she’ll bring the fire, the unpredictability, and the kind of energy that makes the London Marathon unmissable. Hassan doesn’t just race; she creates moments we’ll be talking about for years.
